Code of conduct

We devised a code of conduct to shape the process of our design sprints so that we were on the same page about working together and the needs of our team. As we will have young people involved along the way, we wanted to make sure we had a good structure for approaching discussions and workshops. Our code of conduct is adaptable to the changes that will evolve during the process. In smaller teams we mapped our inputs on post-it notes and collated them together into this set of guidelines:

• We will be mindful of the airspace so that everyone has a voice and give everyone a chance to express themselves.
• We will allow our ideas to be group owned and try not to be too precious with our own ideas (be open to flexibility and adaptation).
• We will keep the useful ideas that we aren’t able to use ourselves and find ways to share them and our knowledge with other organisations.
• We will be aware of different dynamics in the changing team and make an effort to create a space of inclusion.
  • 15 minute window: encourage new members to engage early in the meeting.
• We will encourage everyone to actively participate by being sympathetic to individuals’ working style or personality.
• We will make the most of our time and be flexible to working on prioritised issues.
• We will maintain transparency in communication and respect other peoples’ way of working, availability and skills or our team members.
  • Feel free to share amongst the group.
  • There are no “stupid” questions.

• We will be open and honest, and trust each other and the process, but also accept challenges to any point as a way to make things better
  • Share our successes and difficulties with the group.
  • Constructive criticism makes outcomes stronger. 
  • Work together to find solutions when problems arise.

• We will put our users first, think carefully about individual experiences, and not make assumptions about them or each other.
  • Accountability to our users as young people.
  • Don’t make assumptions about young people or working with young people. 
  • Each person is different.
  • Empower the users.

• We will be aware that our own experience or perspective is not the same as that of others, and be open to sharing our experiences with the group.
  • Be aware of the limitations of our experience.
  • No young person is the single representation of all young people.
  • Remember that you speak as yourself and not for everyone else.
  • Collaborate our views on the experiences of young people and everyone involved:
    • Unique perspectives
    • Individual context
    • Recognise differences

• We will manage expectations by being open to changes, focusing on usability and the feedback from our users and keeping the shared goal at the forefront of decisions.